A practical guide to research the classic highlights of the Alps

As wild as they are, the Alps are brilliantly accessible in the warmer months, regardless of whether they want to make their own multi-day, ongoing excursion on the frequent, efficient trains or on the way with a hike of hat-to-hat huts. Try this practical guide for planning, booking and money saving tips.

What should I pack?

Pack for nature. Bring layers: a breathable fleece, loose hiking pants, hiking boots, flat shoes for cities, a wind/waterproof jacket, sunglasses for glare in high elevations and a daypack. For hikes at a great height, add thermals, hiking masts, compass, water bottle, flashlight, first aid kit and warm hat and gloves.

How easy is it to continue in public transport?

Researching the alpine with rail is completely useful: trains are common, punctual and efficient, relatively cheap and environmentally friendly. There are generally some non -reserved seats, but it is advisable to buy tickets in advance at peak times. The mountain transport is deeper in the Alps and is in the form of Funicular and Cog railways, elevators and cable cars.

How can I save tickets?

Make it up quickly. Many alpine countries offer cut-price rail cards, which grants discounts of up to 85% on any few days, times or routes. In Austria this savings rail are mentioned; in Germany savings price; And in Switzerland, super saver. They are generally available between six months and one day before travel. When you are on the go, pay attention to rail passes such as the Swiss passport and the Austria Wirsscard. EURail and Interrail passes are valid on many routes.

For the high alpine transport, they devote time to find the best offers for the region that you visit. Individual tickets can be expensive and A The discount pass saves you.

Are there accessible options?

Yes. Many trains, especially high-speed and intercity services, have lifts, ramps and mobility aids. Some cable cars and hiking trails also do. Visit the corresponding tourist board for details. Switzerland in particular has a sharp eye on accessibility.

What if I want to drive?

Streets in the Alps are generally well maintained and signposted, but they have to be a confident driver to tackle slopes and hair needlebars. Some alpine passes are open all year round, others from June to October. In Austria and Switzerland you need a vignette or a digital toll pass to drive on main streets.

How safe is it to hike?

A few legal rules make a long way: inform a responsible person about your route, watch weather pattern with the mountain forecast app, wear the right clothes and the right shoes, take enough water and make sure that your phone is charged. Gradually increase the length and height of the hikes; If You may not go at high heights alone.

Avalanches and skirt if so can be a risk Stick on marked hiking trails. These are generally graded: yellow or blue (simple and flat); White-red white or red (moderately challenging, with a few steep, exposed sections); White-blue-white or black (alpine routes for experienced mountain hikers). For Harder hikes, take a card and a compass.

Are there useful hiking and cyclists?

Cicerone publishes an excellent series of hiking, trekking, cycling and bicycle packaging leaders to the Alps with route descriptions and cards. GPX files are available for most of their books. The tiles include Cicerone, 100 hut hikes in the Alps in the Alps and Ciceron. Try the Bergfex online for details, tours, weather and accommodation.

How far in advance should I book mountain huts?

Most huts are occupied from mid -June to mid -September and can also be booked online. In popular paths in high season, you should do this months in advance. Huts with several dormitories range from simple protective huts to intelligent lodges with hot showers. Bring your own sleeping bag or your own cotton bag, a head tork and earplugs. Take all the garbage with you. If you are planning a hike of long -distance routes, you should consider membership at an Alpine Club (DAV in Germany, ÖAV in Austria, SAC in Switzerland, CAI, in Italy) for discounts of up to 50%. Your websites are a great resource for trail planning, weather and 1: 25,000 topographical cards.